#um....olivia sterling is the eye.

[words-writ-in-starlight]

For the dark powers ask meme: either the animorphs or the leverage crew?also hope your day gets better, youll make it through this

@enbiecrowley asked: 

I started listening to MAG bc of you and it's been consuming my life for the past week, but I watched an episode of Leverage today and now I was wondering, if you're up for it, who you think the Leverage crew would belong to? I'm pretty sure Nate belongs to the Web, and Eliot maybe to Slaughter, Sophie to the Spiral or the Stranger...? 

Well it’s been a minute since this ask meme, but!  Animorphs was already answered here!

Nate is, I’d say, actually the Eye--he’s not a puppeteer, he’s a chessmaster, his game isn’t manipulation of reality but rather making reality work for him.  The reason he’s a good mastermind is because he watches everything and creates a dozen plans for every minute deviation, and then switches easily and fluidly from one to another when needed.  He’s very much the kind of man who would have the hubris and determination to wrestle an eldritch fear power into being part of his schemes not by manipulation but by out and out coercion, and that hollers “Eye” at jet plane decibels.  He was narrowly rescued (if that’s the right word) from a fast descent into the Lonely by Victor Dubenich, who has no idea that he is literally solely responsible for spiking Nate back into his old investigator’s habits and the smug grip of Beholding.  Honestly Dubenich is the architect of his own suffering in any universe.  Nate gets slammed into full avatarship when he gets shot much more fatally than in the show, gets saved by the Eye, and starts gaining real Beholding powers in prison, which is just.  Such a great time for him.

(Relatedly, Nate and Elias would fuuuuucking hate each other, someone please write me an AU where they meet up and snipe nastily at each other over drinks or something.  [theotherdog.jpeg] here.)

Sophie is the Stranger all the fucking way, and no one knows when she became a full avatar, they just know that she is.  If she doesn’t want to be known, she won’t be.  She’s every nationality and no nationality, she’s the most beautiful woman you’ve ever seen and you’ll never be able to remember the color of her eyes.  When she’s upset, her features blur and harden like wax cooling into a mold, and she has to blink hard and force a smile that seems like it’ll crack her mannequin-still cheeks.  This also preserves some of the cat-and-mouse vibe in her and Nate’s relationship much longer than in Leverage canon, as the Eye and the Stranger are somewhat antithetical to each other.  Nate doesn’t Know Sophie and works to keep it that way, and Sophie doesn’t make Nate Not Know her and works to keep it that way.  It’s a balance.

Hardison is Web.  Age of the geek, baby, and the geek can get into any computer, any camera, any cell phone.  The whole world hums with a web of wireless signals and fiber optics, and Hardison is the spider at the heart of it, tugging his threads to bring the Leverage crew the juiciest flies.  He’s not a full avatar, but no one would dream of questioning the Web’s claim on him.  There’s a website that’s only there when you need it, and all it has is a phone number to a phone that doesn’t exist except when Hardison says it does, and if you call it, it’ll solve your problems.  Hardison’s cons might always be a bit rough around the edges, because--well, why would he need to be convincing?  He’s the Web’s favorite toy.  He doesn’t need to convince anyone of anything.

Eliot was almost Desolation for his ruthlessness, then almost Slaughter for his love of the fight, and then he chased another Slaughter avatar across Myanmar and got shot and put a knife through their hand before demanding to know how to escape the thing that told him to rip people apart with his bare hands.  The Hunt was on him before sunset.  Eliot Spencer had always had a good reputation as a force to be reckoned with, but now...well.  Not even avatars are safe.  He clings to his humanity until the hunt for Moreau, when the gunfight in the warehouse finally kills him straight into proper avatarship.  He tells Nate, all-seeing Nate, not to tell the others--not yet.  Moreau spots the change immediately, and calls Eliot a hound, nothing more than a dog sent to savage the prey before his master comes in for the kill, and Eliot smiles.  “I know I am,” he says softly, and watches Damian Moreau swallow without hiding the lock of his gaze.  “That’s why you’re afraid of me.”

(You can still hear a bit of the Slaughter, when Eliot sings.)

Parker had a brush with the End when she was just seven years old.  She doesn’t feel fear anymore--she learns how to watch without fearing the watcher, learns how to fall without fearing the sky, learns how to be trapped without fearing burial.  With a country-killing virus in hand, all Parker knows is the laser focus of finishing a task.  Parker can feel grief and joy and rage, but fear is simply...gone.  It makes her the best candidate in the world to mastermind a crew of avatars in the war against the Extinction.

[maxattack-powell]

The Freshman 1-14

Book 1-14

Chapter 14: The Ashton Affair

Masterlist - go here for other chapters and related original fics

Disclaimer: The following are fics (adaptations from actual game chapters AND original works) to Choices: The Freshman and The Sophomore stories. It is a fictional adaptation. I (we) do not work for Pixelberry Studios, the game developer or own the rights to the characters Chris Powell, Nicole or any other IN GAME character. All of the ORIGINAL characters, storylines and events were developed for my adaptation of The Freshman story.

Comments: I enjoyed playing Choices The Freshman… and then I found this awesome group of people and their works - I’ve loved it all, very much so. Deciding that I wanted more interaction than the options allowed, I’ve gone through the first book, chapter by chapter (omg painfully slow) to follow the story (95-99% I’d say) and add to it as I felt would benefit.

Basically, I wanted to include certain things that weren’t really full fic size worthy, adding to the story. However, I did add some full size fic moments also… some are included in cannon chapters, some are their own full chapters in between. I wanted to see MC and Chris through their freshman year… with more angst, fluff, sweetness, real life and overall detail. So, if you like that pairing then you’ll be satisfied, otherwise sorry James & Kaitlyn fans lol. I even added some parts from Chris’s POV, so that we have a chance to see what he’s thinking, knowing what she experienced.

There will be ADULT and/or NSFW moments in certain chapters - this is a warning lol. I will try my best to make it obvious as it occurs…

Paring: MC x Chris

POV: ~MC~ or ~Chris~

 ~MC~

James shoots MC a pleading look. She quickly collects herself and plays along. "Sorry, James, I didn't realize you'd already told them about our engagement." She tries her best to hide her sweating palms, as she's suddenly put on the spot. "I know you wanted to keep our engagement a secret, but I had to tell them." James raises his eyebrow, hoping she continues to go along with it. "Um, right. Yes, I'm MC. It's nice to meet you." MC lightly bows her head at them both with a friendly smile. "George Ashton, and this is my wife, Olivia." He reaches over and places his hand on the small of his wife's back. Olivia doesn't seem to be too impressed at the moment, almost frowning at MC. "A pleasure." George shakes MC's hand while Oliva gives a polite nod. They both glance at Vasquez, George cleaning his throat. "And who is this?"

Caught off guard Professor Vasquez stumbles across his excuse. "I..." James looks at MC at a loss, clearly panicking now. She clears her throat and steps forward. "Allow me to introduce him... I am his assistant. This is Professor..." James cuts in quickly. "Vega. Professor Vega. He teaches business economics at Hartfeld." Professor Vasquez blinks a few times. "That is... uh, me. How do you do?" He reaches out a hand which George heartily takes, his smile now huge. "Well meet, Professor! Hartfeld's business program is renowned. I must congratulate you on your sterling reputation." Now apparently on board with the situation, Professor Vasquez takes it in stride. "Yes. Thank you." He takes in a deep breath and looks at James. "A-hem, well, as pleasant as this is, I have some... economics papers to grade." Olivia nods. "Right. Well, we'll be on our way shortly then." They both turn to MC, causing her to tense up. George reaches for her hand, holding it softly in his. "MC, we'd love to get to know you better while we're in town." Keeping her hands clasped together, Oliva agrees. "Yes, why don't you join us for dinner tonight?" MC's eyes search for James, this time asking him for help. He quickly responds, coming to her aid. "You don't have to do that. Besides, I'm sure she's very busy..." His mother instantly cuts him off. "Nonsense, James. She's going to be part of the family after all. We insist." The look she gives James makes MC gulp, knowing she has no choice. "...all right." George doesn't seem to notice or care about his wife's attitude. "Perfect. We'll meet at the Savoy at six o'clock. Sharp." They both turn to leave, not saying a word to anyone else. MC just stands there for a moment, waiting until they are out of earshot. James doesn't look her in the eye until she begins talking. "So, are you going to tell me why your parents think we're engaged?" James sighs. "It's a little complicated..." She crosses her arms and stands her ground. "Can't wait to hear it." James looks from MC to Professor Vasquez, who wisely busies himself with the papers on his desk. "My parents what me to major in business, to inherit my father's investment company, to marry the right woman..." MC's eyes widen considerably. "Wow... that must be a lot of pressure on you." He suddenly looks relieved for the first time since she entered the room. "It was... until I decided to pursue my own path." She raises an eyebrow at him. "Let me guess... you haven't told them you're still single and studying literature." He tightens his lips, creating a thin line. "No, I haven't. First, if they knew I was single, they'd pressure me to date some well-connected girl they've hand-selected." She shrugs slightly. "That doesn't sound so bad..." He scoffs. "I've never liked anyone they've picked before." MC's face falls. "Oh..." James continues, "And secondly, they wouldn't understand why I want to be a writer." She frowns at him. "Isn't it hard to keep that secret? It's what you love." His expression turns dark. "It's not easy, but... I have to stick with it. At least until I finish my play." He looks into her eyes, pleading. "Will you help me out?" Behind them Professor Vasquez clears his throat. "I strongly believe she should. This is an excellent opportunity for you, MC." Her nose wrinkles as she glares at him. "You mean for you." Vasquez actually smiles at her. "I never said it wasn't mutually beneficial. Go to dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Ashton... and tell me all about it." She snorts at him before turning back to James and giving him a genuine smile. "I would be honored to be James's fake fiancée." James let's out a sigh of relief. "Thanks MC. I'll pick you up at five thirty." As MC turns to leave, Vasquez clears his throat again, asking for her attention. "And MC... if you're having dinner at the Savoy, I suggest you dress for the occasion." She closes her eyes as her hand rests on the door handle. "I'll work on it." She tries not to sound too put out as she leaves the office. As MC makes her way across campus, she checks her phone, noticing all the missed calls and messages from the night before. She forgot to turn it back on until she arrived at Vasquez’s office, however she didn't dare check it until now, knowing he would have an absolute fit if he caught her on it. She stares at the screen in shock, unaware she had thirty or so notifications for missed calls and messages. MC quickly shoots Zack a message about her new situation before going through the rest.

She stops at a bench on the path and sits down as she scrolls. There were a few from Zack, Abbie, James...even Tyler. But the majority, probably at least two thirds or more of the notifications, were from Chris. She slowly goes through the messages, most a form of ‘where are you?’ or ‘are you okay?’ from everyone, but the ones from Chris start to become more... panicked… if she had to use one word to describe them. The first two spaced out a few minutes with each following text sent over a shorter and shorter period of time.

'Hey'

'Where did you go? Let me give you a ride home'

'MC? Please answer.'

'Are you still in the park?'

'I’m here, please tell me where you are…'

'Okay, I’ll shut up. Just let me take you home.'

'MC, you're making me worry…'

'I get it. I know I screwed up. You can make me pay for it tomorrow, okay? You love your friends, don't make them worry anymore. Let me take you home?'

She looks at the timestamps and realizes that many minutes passed before he sent the remaining two texts.

'I assume you're not going to respond at this point… I just want you to know that I’m sorry. We all care about you. Please be safe. I’m still in the park. Near the gazebo if you need me'

Then the final text.

'I've been burning, yes, I've been burning

Such a burden, this flame on my chest

No insurance, to pay for the damage

Yeah, I've been burning up since you left'

She recognizes that the last text is a lyric set, her brows draw together as she tries to recall the song. She gives up after a minute and Googles it, finding that it's from Burning by Sam Smith. This makes her frown as she lets out a sigh, whispering to herself.

“Why does he keep doing this. I’m trying to do what he wants, and he keeps...” She closes her eyes tightly, forcing her low words through gritted teeth. “I don't know what I’m supposed to do anymore…”

She sits there for a while, her eyes close as she focuses on breathing in and out slowly, searching for peace. Her mind runs through hundreds of scenarios. How she should try to resolve this, to move on. After a while she folds over, placing her face into her hands as she rests them on her knees, staring at the ground exhausted. Finding some solace in focusing on her current task at hand, the dinner with James’s parents, she takes in a deep breath and stands after a moment. She is determined to put all her focus, her efforts, into this for her friend. He needs her now, and she could use the distraction.

When MC finally arrives at the dorms she hesitates before going inside her suite. Knowing there's a chance Chris is inside, she's unsure how to act if they run into each other. When she enters she finds an empty living room. She lets out a small sigh of relief, hoping she can make it to her room without running into anyone. She actually manages to get all the way to her closed door before the one across from her opens suddenly, causing her to turn at the noise.

Chris stands in his bedroom doorway, a small weak smile on his lips. “Hey, MC.” He searches her face as she stands there silently for a moment, like a deer caught in headlights.

She blinks and gathers her thoughts, realizing she isn't saying anything, making the interaction very awkward. “Uh, hey… Chris.” She gives a small wave and quickly turns into her room, trying not to meet his eyes again as she shuts the door, missing his face fall in disappointment. When MC turns around, leaning her back on the door she startles. Zack jumps up from his spot on her bed, a huge exaggerated smile on his face. "There she is! I got all your text and read them twice. You and James, engaged! You really do move fast!" He laughs and runs to her, squeezing her in a hug. "I hope I'm invited to the wedding..." Zack winks at her as she glowers at him, shoving him off. "Ha ha Zack. Can we stop thinking about the 'I do' and focus more on the 'I wear' part please?" She heads to her closet with a frustrated sigh. "I don't think I have an outfit that will impress a pair of very sophisticated, fancy people." Zack raises his eyebrow at her. "Not to mention James, right?" She pauses and thinks about his question. "Well... I suppose he will be at this dinner too." Zack waves at her dismissively. "Hey, don't worry! I've already called a friend of mine. She works at an upscale boutique and can get you the perfect dress." She takes a slow deep breath. "I know this dinner will go much better if I dress up..." MC turns to look at Zack pleadingly, chewing on her bottom lip. Zack affirms her statement with a nod and hooks his arm in hers, opening her door and leading them into the hall. MC’s eyes glance up, seeing Chris’s door open, finding that unusual. Her eyes drift further into his room, finding him sitting on his bed, his guitar across his lap. As her eyes continue their journey, they find a pair of blue eyes, his head lifted towards her door since the moment it opened. She quickly breaks the connection and turns with Zack, determined to focus on the task at hand. Determined to move on.

They head out of the dorm and to the bus stop. After a short ride and some pleasant conversation, they arrive downtown. She smiles as they talk, enjoying her time with her friend. MC realizes that Zack had become one of her favorite people since arriving at Hartfeld, one of her closest friends. He always tries to be there for her, and she knows she will do whatever she can for him. As the bus comes to a stop, they step off and walk a block to the posh boutique.

The door jingles, signaling their entrance as Zack waves at someone. MC assumes it's the friend he was talking about as they cross the threshold. Both begin the search, sifting through the racks of fancy clothing. MC pulls an elaborate colorful dress off one of the racks. The embroidery and hand stitched bead work was impressive. Zack walks over when he sees her search still. He lets out a few impressed sounds as he gives her a look. She goes to the changing room to try it on.

After a moment she comes back out, taking a spin in front of the long mirror before turning to her curly haired friend. "Zack! I love this look." He whistles appreciatively, his eyes traveling up and down her figure. "Me too, it says 'Look how perfect and sophisticated I am for your brilliant son'." He grabs a set of pearls from a nearby display and tosses them to her. She smiles. "That's what I'm going for!" She laughs as she catches the necklace and puts it on. "Thanks Zack. You're an awesome friend…” He raises an eyebrow at her and smirks, causing her to snicker. “Okay, you're the best. I really appreciate all of your help." MC gives him a tight hug. Zack gasps from the lack of air. "Hey, hey... watch out, you'll wrinkle the dress." He winks at her when she let's him go, both laughing. She pays for the dress, thanking Zack and his friend for the discount, before they head to the bus stop. They stop at a nearby coffee shop, realizing they have a few minutes to wait for the next bus to arrive. After placing their order they go back to the bus stop to enjoy their iced teas as they split a cookie. The two chat for a while about the dinner and what she might have to do to help James. After a while things turn silent and thoughtful.

Zack finally breaks the silence, knowing the bus will arrive soon. “Okay, I’ll just come out and ask since you haven't said anything yet.” She tenses a little before he continues. “Are you okay?”

A small, unconvincing smile crosses her lips as she turns slightly to meet his solid stare. “Yeah. I’m fine Zack.” When he narrows his eyes at her she sighs. “Really. It’s okay. I’m just… tired.” She thinks about her choice in words. 'Tired of everything...'

Zack nods and moves closer, gathering her into a warm hug. “I’m here, okay? Whatever you need, whenever you want something, go somewhere, if someone’s ass needs kicking… I’ll get Kaitlyn and Abbie to do that... but the rest of it I’m ready to handle. Just say the word.” She lets out a small soft laugh as tears threaten to creep out, squeezing him for a moment before they break as the bus approaches.

~Chris~

MC and Zack are gushing about something as they enter the suite. She’s totally distracted with her conversation with their curly headed friend to notice Chris in the living room. He sits up straight from his relaxed position on the couch as he watches her pass through. He immediately sees that she has a long dress bag in her arms. It's mostly opaque, but part of the dress is peeking out under the bottom edge. He tries to get a better look at the dress as he watches them cut through the suite.

Chris’s mind goes into overdrive, searching his memories for anything he may have missed that would clue him in about the new dress. He knew the Hartfeld Formal was coming up and he swallows, it hitting him for the first time that the dress may be for the dance. That MC probably has been asked to the formal by someone, possibly someone he knows. His chest tightens at the thought, turmoil swirling inside him.

He stays in the living room for a while, hoping his other roommates would join him at some point. He’s finally rewarded with Tyler’s presence, giving him a friendly nod as he joins Chris on the couch. They hang out for a while, watching TV and joking about different things they see in commercials. Chris realizes how much he missed doing this. How much he missed his friends.

At five thirty, there is a knock at the door. Chris stands to answer it after he and Tyler shrug at each other, obviously clueless at who it could be. However, before he can take a step towards the door, Zack comes flying out of the hallway and quickly opens it first. From his position in the living room, Chris can't see who it is. Tyler leans over, trying to get a better view, but he too cannot see around the open door.

Zack grins at the guest and turns towards the hallway, yelling towards the bedrooms. “MC! Your date is here!”

Chris blinks, stunned at Zacks statement. Tyler looks from Zack to Chris, a question across his face, receiving only a shrug and a shaking head from the quarterback. Chris’s face turns pensive as he stares at the door, the anticipating building.

Zack steps aside and gestures for someone to enter. Chris’s eyes focus sharply on her ‘date’ as they enter. Much to Chris’s surprise, James Ashton steps inside. He's dressed in a nice formal suit, holding a bouquet of roses in his hands.

MC enters the living room moments later, her eyes trained to James as she crosses the room, unaware of the other occupants. Chris slowly lowers himself back to the couch, his eyes appraising her dress as she floats towards the door. He feels a lump in his throat as he thinks about how beautiful she looks, knowing she's about to go on a date. With James. He slumps back onto the couch, his eyes still watching, now laced with a sadness… and something else. He realizes what it is after a moment. Jealousy.

MC smiles at James and gestures to the flowers. "What are these for?" James shakes his head slightly, pretending to be put out. "Can't I do something nice for my 'fiancée'?"

Tyler raises an eyebrow and slowly looks at Chris, whose face is twisted in confusion. Zack watches his tall muscular friend from his spot in the kitchen, his eyes boring into Chris’s. Feeling the hole being burned into him, Chris finds Zack’s gaze and holds it for a moment. He sighs and shrinks back, turning his eyes from everyone, focusing on the TV.

~MC~

She scrunches up her nose and taps her chin with a single finger. "Hmmm..." "They're a thank-you. For agreeing to do this for me." James hands the flowers to her. "They're beautiful." She gladly accepts and turns to the kitchen, handing them to Zack as he reaches for them to put them in water. "So are you." James pauses, a startled look crossing his face at the sudden admission. "...er, that is to say, you look very nice." MC tries not to blush, or make eye contact with Chris, finally realizing that he and Tyler were on the couch, become increasingly interested in her interaction with James. "James, was that a compliment?" "It was just an observation." He smirks. "Come on, admit it. What do you say? Youuuuu think I'm prettyyyy. You wish we were engaged for real." She tries not to laugh as his normal composure fractures from her playful ribbing. His eyes widen as he chokes on his words. "What, I--" MC lets out a soft laugh at his flustered reaction. "Relax, I'm teasing you." James shakes his head. "In all honesty, MC, you are breathtaking." He gives a small smile before looking a way briefly. "And I'm sure my parents will be very impressed." He holds out his arm. "Shall we go?" She smiles at his compliment, feeling relaxed and almost excited for the first time in a while. As they head out the door, she misses seeing Chris’s shoulders slump as he falls further into the couch, his frown deepening. Once downtown, they walk towards the restaurant, still arm in arm. James raises his free arm across his chest. "I should probably warn you that my parents will try to intimidate you since we're engaged." She waved dismissively at him. "Don't worry about me! I can handle myself... but we should probably get our stories straight. What do they know about me?" "Very little. They know I proposed last week after we'd been dating a year and that we met at a meet-and-greet for future business leaders." She nods, trying to absorb his words into memory. "So, I'm also a business major?" "Yes, and you take your career very seriously. You're even in the Sherman-Jones Fellowship Program this summer." "I take it that's some super fancy fellowship for business people." She raises an eyebrow, waiting for confirmation. James nods once. "Very astute." "You're talking to a future CEO after all.” She grins at him. “What about my family? My hobbies? Skeletons in my closet?" She prods.

"I didn't elaborate, so it's up to you. Don't go overboard." He gives her a serious but pleasing look. "Too late. I've already got it. My family's rich, I like golf..." MC's grin grows. "And my dark family secret is that..." She briefly pauses, building suspense. "...my crazy mother lives in the attic." "I appreciate how Byronic that is... but now I'm nervous." He gives her a questioning look, a smile trying to appear. "I'm joking. Don't worry. I'll stick to the script." She winks at him, his shoulders visibly relaxing. "I'll be the best fake fiancée ever." James laughs. "I'm holding you to that." He smiles and moves a little closer. Suddenly MC's phone buzzes and she startles. "Sorry, I should see who it is..." She opens her purse and rifles through it, searching. "Oh yeah, that reminds me... did you ever hear back from Vasquez's daughter?" MC shakes her head with a frown. "Nope. I sent her a text yesterday to follow up, but there's still no answer. I don't think she's going to talk to me..." Finally she pulls her phone out, victorious. "Ah, here it is." She glances at it. "It's Kaitlyn. I can get it later--" "No, please. I'll leave you to it." James releases himself from her hold and walks a few paces in front of her, giving her privacy. MC quickly picks up. "Kaitlyn?" Kaitlyn's cheery voice comes across the phone. "Hey MC! I don't have anything going on, so I was thinking... spa night! What are you up to right now?" "Oh, er... I have a dinner thing tonight... maybe we can go tomorrow?" MC grimaces, hoping she let her down gently. Unfortunately she could hear the disappointment on the line. "Awww... okay! I'll talk to you later then" Kaitlyn doesn't wait for a response and quickly hangs up the phone. MC stands there for a second before dropping the phone back into her purse, quickly catching up with James. He turns as he hears her approach. "Everything all right?" "Yeah. Kaitlyn's just seeing what my plans are tonight." She hooks her arm back into his when he offers. "Is she feeling better? What'd you end up doing once she got back from the hospital?" He inquires as they continue towards the Savoy, glossing over the fact that she split from the group at the hospital. "Nothing much. A horror movie marathon, then we all went to bed. It was a nice end to a crazy weekend." She decides to leave out some of the other moments from that night and the following day. "I'm glad for her... and for you." He says gently. She looks at him questionably. "For me?" "Yeah..." MC thought she saw him blush slightly but it was gone instantly if he had. "...you were really upset at the hospital. You must care about her a lot." "I do. Kaitlyn is very special to me. She's my best friend..." Her sentence fades into nothingness. "It must be nice to be friends with your suitemates. I wasn't nearly so lucky. I don't think I've kept in touch with anyone from back when I lived on campus." He shakes his head. She frowns, but thankful she isn't experiencing the same. At least, not with everyone. "Awww... were they that bad?" "No, we just had different interests. It's not like I regret it. I like who I spend my time with now." He smiles down at MC, receiving a shoulder nudge in response. She laughs. "You're not so bad yourself, James." He flashes her a brief smile. "Thanks." They round the corner and approach the Savoy entrance. James takes a deep breath. "Alright. Here's the restaurant." As he reaches for the big wooden doors he turns to MC. "Are you ready for dinner, fiancée?" "After you, fiancée!" Her eyes crinkle as she gives him a huge smile. James let's out a long breath then ushers her inside. The maitre d' leads them to a table in the back. James turns to her. "I hope you don't mind..." He then puts his arm around her waist and pulls her close. "For appearance's sake." But his smile implies otherwise. "You want us to look like a couple, huh? Maybe you should move your hand lower." She narrows her eyes as she dares him, dying to whiteness his response. "As tempting as that sounds... I don't think I should do that right now. But I'll keep that in mind for later." He gives her a mischievous smile, keeping his hand firmly on her waist MC nods with a smirk. "You know what, you're right. You should move your hand higher. This is a classy place, and we're a classy couple, James." She scrunches her nose at him, trying not to laugh. He lets out a deep husky laugh, raising his hand higher on her back. "Good thinking." They remain quiet until they arrive at the Ashton's table. "Right on time, you two! I've already ordered some wine to start..." George gestures towards their retreating waiter. Olivia eyes MC's dress. "I have to say dear, that dress is lovely." MC blushes, glad she had Zack to back her up. "Thank you." "It reminds me of Paris." Olivia looks thoughtful as she inspects the dress closely. "Did you live there?" MC asks. "Yes... many years ago, when I was a model." Oliva beams. "My first shoot was there actually. I was posed under the Eiffel Tower in a dress much like yours with a picnic basket and a very handsome man..." She appears to drift off into memories before coming back to the present. "It was simply magical." MC smiles. "It sounds like it." Olivia delicately clears her throat and gives her a small smile. "James, it seems your fiancée has some taste." "She chose me, didn't she?" He says in a neutral tone. "That I did." MC flashes James a sweet smile. Oblivious to his wife's story, George continues. "Anyway, its great that you two could come out tonight." Olivia nods. "That's right. We couldn't believe it when James told us he was engaged. I was almost certain you didn't exist... but here you are." She gestured towards MC, clearly still surprised. Picking up on her attitude, George gives his wife a quick glare before turning back to MC. "Now, now, don't mind Olivia. She's upset she didn't get to introduce James to that one girl... what was her name?" Olivia's eyes narrowed as she glares at her husband, almost grinding her teeth. "Vanessa Kingsley." James sighs. "Mother please, I--" His mother's mood instantly turns neutral, almost pleasant. "It's all right, James. I'm willing to meet your MC... that's what tonight is about, isn't it? This is our chance to get to know her. Tell me... how did you and James meet again?" MC glances at James, his face hopeful that she remembers what they talked about before entering the restaurant. "James was the first person I introduced myself to at a meet-and-greet for business majors." She flashed him a grin. "I don't think I talked to anyone else that night." James turns shifts his body towards MC. "Me either." He reaches to grab her hand, MC gladly clasping his. Their eyes meet and they both smile at each other. "It was the best night of my life." MC scrunches her nose slightly, still looking at James. James let's out a small laugh. "You can say that again." Oliva clears her throat. "So, MC, both you and my son intend to major in business? As my husband can tell you, it can be a hard path to distinguish yourself in." George nods in agreement. "The road to greatness is never easy." MC looks at them both earnestly. "I agree. I take my career very seriously." She notices James's attention on her and gives his hand a small reassuring squeeze. "Actually, this summer I'm going to be part of the Sherman-Jones Fellowship Program. I assume you're aware of it?" George looks at her with surprise. "That's an excellent program... and competitive to get into." "I want to be the best, and I'm not going to let anything get in my way." MC holds his stare. He slowly nods, absorbing her directness. "I wish my son were that determined. I'm expecting him to take over the company that I've run for the last thirty years." MC feels James shift in his seat as he lets out a small sigh. His father either didn't notice or didn't care that he was irritating his son. "You know I built that up from nothing? I wouldn't have been able to do that without ambition. But James has never shown any initiative." James goes stiff, his features turning dark. "That's not true." Olivia turns toward his son. "Then how come out turned down that internship at Kingsley's company last summer?" "It wasn't the right opportunity." James grinds out between clenched teeth. "It was the perfect opportunity." George spits back. Olivia begins to look worried. "George, let's not get into this now. James will fall in line. I have something far more important to ask." James looked at his mother curiously, unsure of her new direction. "What is that?" She gestures between MC and her son. "You two have only been dating for a year. Why the rush to get married?" MC jumps in. "Because we're in love!" Olivia looks shocked at her quick and enthusiastic response. "That's sweet, but... are you certain there's no other reason you're interested in our son?" MC leans back in her seat, dropping James's hand and crossing her arms in front of her chest. Narrowing her eyes, she frowns. "What are you implying exactly?" Unphased, Olivia looks her directly in the eyes. "James is an Ashton, and someone with our reputation can't associate with just anyone. I merely want to make sure an ambitious girl like yourself isn't in it to take advantage of James's position." James jumps to her defense, his hands clenched into fists on the table. "MC isn't like that." Before he can elaborate, MC cuts him off. "James, I've got this." She was beyond pissed.

"Do you really think I'm only marrying James for his name? You don't give him enough credit. James is wonderful. He's articulate. Words just come right out of his mouth with such ease and grace. He always knows the perfect thing to say." James clears his throat. "MC, you don't have to do this..." She holds up her hand slightly, silencing him instantly. "I'm not done. James is also kind. He's considerate and thoughtful of how I feel. He's also brilliant, witty and insightful. Not only that, but he's passionate and hard-working. He doesn't give up until he's finished something and done it well, fully throwing himself into everything he's ever undertaken." MC turns to James before continuing. "And that's only part of the reason why I like him. He's not only my fiancée, but my friend. I know that he'll disagree with me when I'm wrong..." She winks at him. "...and that he's got my back when I need him." James reaches out and takes her hand again, giving it a squeeze as a small appreciative smile appears on his face. "I respect him a great deal." MC turns back to Olivia. "That's why I want to marry him." For a moment no one says anything. His parents look taken aback. Stunned by MC’s monologue. She starts to worry that she went too far. "Uh... I rest my case?" "It's all right, dear. You don't have to defend yourself further. In fact, I'm mildly impressed." Olivia leans back in her seat, her eyes judging the two across from her. MC's face grows warm. "Thanks." "And it's clear you care about our son." Olivia gives her a quick nod. "Of course I do." MC answers honestly. "As for me, I hope he doesn't disappoint you. I've yet to see him work hard when it comes to his career." George says without any remorse. "That's not true. It's just not business that in interested in." James interrupts, letting the wrong response slip out. "What? What do you mean by that?" George raises his voice and eyebrow as he stares at his son. MC's eyes go wide as she leans slightly, whispering. "James, what are you doing?" James shakes his head. "You were right, MC. I don't know how long I can keep this up. After hearing what you said about me... let's just say, you inspired me." He turns to give her a small but heated smile before turning back to his parents. "Mom, dad, I have no intention of taking over the family firm." Olivia’s face twists with anger. "What?" James continues. "I'm going to be a writer. That's what I've been working towards my entire school career. I didn't take the internship at Kingsley's firm because I chose to work directly with Enrique Vasquez." George joins his wife in glaring at their son. "The author? You turned down a job... to write?! That's so preposterous, I can barely speak." Olivia is now fuming. "James, I don't understand why you've changed your mind. Did MC put you up to this?" James immediately jumps to her defense again, his anger taking over. "No, not at all. In fact, MC's not my fiancée." Olivia’s eyes grow huge, her frown deepening. "I knew it! She--" James quickly cuts her off. "MC did nothing wrong. I'm just tired of you trying to push the right job and the right girl on me." "The two of you may not actually be engaged, but I can tell something's going on between you two." Her eyes narrow as they flick back and forth between the two. "Are you romantically involved?" James stutters in response, taken by surprise. "I... er..." He looks to MC, completely at a loss for words. MC's cheeks flush as her face heats up. "Well, this has gotten awkward. I'm going to go..." She quickly gets up from the table without another word and rushes outside. Cheeks still burning she pulls out her phone to text Zack. James pushes through the restaurant doors only seconds later, searching both ways until he sees MC. He sprints towards her, trying to catch up. "MC, wait!" As he closes the remaining feet between them his face changes from shock to concern. "Can I walk you home at least?" MC pauses her walk and looks at James. "Don't have to deal with your parents?" He shakes his head and grumbles his disgust. "They can wait. It's probably better I give them time to, uh, reflect." She thinks better of his request. "That's nice of you, but it's fine, James. The nights over. I'm not your fiancée, and we don't need to pretend. We can even go back to not liking each other like normal." He lets out a long sigh. "If I'm going to be completely honest, I don't want that." He averts his eyes away from hers. "The thing is, MC... I do like you." He slowly but confidently turns his eyes back to hers. "Perhaps as more than friends." James takes her hand, his gaze meeting hers, eyes searching. MC sucks in a sharp breath of air. "James... I don't know what to say. It's just... well..." She is interrupted by her phone. He lets go of her hand so she can pull it out of her purse. She gasps at the caller ID. "I can't believe it!" James looks at her with concern. "MC? Who is it?" She shakes her head in disbelief. "...it's... Gabriela."

[piranot]

Netflix domina Emmy, mas ‘Watchmen’ é produção mais indicada; confira lista

O Emmy anunciou na manhã desta terça-feira (28) os indicados à 72ª edição de seu prêmio anual, o principal da indústria de televisão e streaming americana. Sem “Game of Thrones” para engrossar sua lista, a HBO foi passada para trás pela Netflix, que quebrou o recorde de nomeações em um mesmo ano, com 160.

Foto: Robyn Beck/AFP

No ano passado, o gigante do streaming apareceu 118 vezes entre os concorrentes ao Emmy, enquanto a HBO encabeçou a lista de indicados com 137 citações -30 a mais que neste ano. Mas a notícia não significa exatamente uma derrota para a emissora, já que sua minissérie “Watchmen” é a produção mais lembrada da edição, com 26 nomeações.

Baseada nos quadrinhos de mesmo nome, “Watchmen” viu seu elenco aparecer nas quatro categorias de atuação às quais era elegível -ator, atriz, ator coadjuvante e atriz coadjuvante em minissérie ou filme para TV. Ela também é uma das favoritas para levar a estatueta de melhor minissérie, que no ano passado também ficou com a HBO, graças a “Chernobyl”.

Enquanto a ausência de “Game of Thrones”, que encerrou sua saga no ano passado, é notável, o Emmy 2020 é marcado por estreias. Esta será a primeira edição com as plataformas de streaming Disney+, Apple TV+ e Quibi no páreo.

A primeira foi lembrada 19 vezes, principalmente pela série “The Mandalorian”, derivado de “Star Wars” que concorre como melhor série dramática. Já o serviço da Apple soma 18 indicações, com “The Morning Show” aparecendo em algumas das principais categorias, como série, ator e atriz de drama.

Já a Quibi, plataforma para celulares com produções para serem vistas na vertical, foi lembrada nas seções dedicadas a conteúdos curtos.

A emissora responsável por transmitir a cerimônia do Emmy, a ABC, ainda não deixou claro quais são os planos para a festa deste ano, marcada para o dia 20 de setembro. Mesmo com as restrições impostas pela Covid-19, uma premiação física pode até acontecer, mas em escala reduzida. Jimmy Kimmel será o anfitrião.

No evento de anúncio dos indicados desta terça, a humorista Leslie Jones fez as vezes de apresentadora. Os atores Laverne Cox, Josh Gad e Tatiana Maslany anunciaram as nomeações ao lado dela.

Confira, abaixo, a lista de indicados nas principais categorias. A lista completa está disponível no site do Emmy.

Ator em série de comédia Anthony Anderson (“Black-ish”) Michael Douglas (“O Método Kominsky”) Ted Danson (“The Good Place”) Eugene Levy (“Schitt’s Creek”) Ramy Youssef (“Ramy”) Don Cheadle (“Black Monday”)

Atriz em série de comédia Rachel Brosnahan (“Maravilhosa Sra. Maisel”) Catherine O’Hara (“Schitt’s Creek”) Christina Applegate (“Dead to Me”) Issa Rae (“Insecure”) Linda Cardellini (“Dead to Me”) ​Tracee Ellis Ross (“Black-ish”)

Ator coadjuvante em série de comédia Mahershala Ali (“Ramy”) Alan Arkin (“O Método Kominsky”) Andre Braugher (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”) Sterling K. Brown (“Maravilhosa Sra. Maisel”) William Jackson Harper (“The Good Place”) Daniel Levy (“Shcitt’s Creek”) Tony Shalhoub (“Maravilhosa Sra. Maisel”) Kenan Thompson (“Saturday Night Live”)

Atriz coadjuvante em série de comédia Alex Borstein (“Maravilhosa Sra. Maisel”) D’Arcy Carden (“The Good Place”) Betty Gilpin (“Glow”) Marin Hinkle (“Maravilhosa Sra. Maisel”) Kate McKinnon (“Saturday Night Live”) Annie Murphy (“Schitt’s Creek”) Yvonne Orji (“Insecure”) Cecily Strong (“Saturday Night Live”)

Ator em série dramática Jason Bateman (“Ozark”) Sterling K. Brown (“This Is Us”) Steve Carell (“The Morning Show”) Brian Cox (“Succession”) Billy Porter (“Pose”) Jeremy Strong (“Succession”)

Atriz em série dramática ​Jennifer Aniston (“The Morning Show”) Olivia Colman (“The Crown”) Jodie Commer (“Killing Eve”) Laura Linney (“Ozark”) Sandra Oh (“Killing Eve”) Zendaya (“Euphoria”)

Ator coadjuvante em série dramática Nicholas Braun (“Succession”) Billy Crudup (“The Morning Show”) Kieran Culkin (“Succession”) Mark Duplass (“The Morning Show”) Giancarlo Esposito (“Better Call Saul”) Matthew Macfadyen (“Succession”) Bradley Whitford (“O Conto da Aia”) Jeffrey Wright (“Westworld”)

Atriz coadjuvante em série dramática Helena Bonham Carter (“The Crown”) Laura Dern (“Big Little Lies”) Julia Garner (“Ozark”) Thandie Newton (“Westworld”) Fiona Shaw (“Killing Eve”) Sarah Snook (“Succession”) Meryl Streep (“Big Little Lies”) Samira Wiley (“O Conto da Aia”)

Ator em minissérie ou filme para TV Paul Mescal (“Normal People”) Jeremy Irons (“Watchmen”) Jeremy Pope (“Hollywood”) Mark Ruffalo (“I Know This Much Is True”) Hugh Jackman (“Má Educação”)

Atriz em minissérie ou filme para TV Cate Blanchett (“Mrs. America”) Shira Haas (“Nada Ortodoxa”) Regina King (“Watchmen”) Octavia Spencer (“Self Made”) Kerry Washington (“Little Fires Everywhere”)

Ator coadjuvante em minissérie ou filme para TV Yahya Abdul-Mateen 2° (“Watchmen”) Jovan Adepo (“Watchmen”) Tituss Burgess (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. The Reverend”) Louis Gossett Jr. (“Watchmen”) Dylan McDermott (“Hollywood”) Jim Parsons (“Hollywood”)

Atriz coadjuvante em minissérie ou filme para TV Uzo Aduba (“Mrs. America”) Toni Collette (“Unbelievable”) Margo Martindale (“Mrs. America”) Jean Smart (“Watchmen”) Holland Taylor (“Hollywood”) Tracey Ullman (“Mrs. America”)

Programa de competição “The Masked Singer” “Nailed It!” “RuPaul’s Drag Race” “Top Chef” “The Voice”

Apresentador de reality show ou programa de competição ​Bobby Berk, Karamo Brown, Tan France, Antoni Porowski e Jonathan Van Ness (“Queer Eye”) Nicole Byer (“Nailed It!”) Barbara Corcoran, Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, Daymond John, Robert Herjavec e Kevin O’Leary (“Shark Tank”) Padma Lakshmi e Tom Colicchio (“Top Chef”) Amy Poehler e Nick Offerman (“Making It”) RuPaul (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”)

Filme para TV “American Son” (Netflix) “Má Educação” (HBO) “Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings: These Old Bones” (Netflix) “El Camino” (Netflix) “Unbreakanle Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. The Reverend” (Netflix)

Minissérie “Watchmen” (HBO) “Mrs. America” (FX) “Unbelievable” (Netflix) “Nada Ortodoxa” (Netflix) “Little Fires Everywhere” (Hulu)

Série de comédia ​”Curb Your Enthusiasm” (HBO) “Dead to Me” (Netflix) “The Good Place” (NBC) “Insecure” (HBO) “O Método Kominsky” (Netflix) “Maravilhosa Sra. Maisel” (Prime Video) “Schitt’s Creek” (Pop TV) “What We Do in the Shadows” (FX)

Série dramática “Better Call Saul” (AMC) “The Crown” (Netflix) “O Conto da Aia” (Hulu) “Killing Eve” (BBC America) “The Mandalorian” (Disney+) “Ozark” (Netflix) “Stranger Things” (Netflix) “Succession” (HBO)

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